Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

I again thank Deputy Hayes for raising this important matter. I listened carefully to the points he raised. The Government is working diligently in conjunction with key stakeholders, particularly local authorities and approved housing bodies, to increase delivery of housing for older people. We also want to work with the private sector because everyone has a part to play in the delivery of housing, including for older people.

The clear focus of this Government is to increase the supply of new builds and affordable homes to buy or rent. As I stated, a record level of investment is being provided in 2025, with capital funding of €6.8 billion supplemented by a further €1.65 billion in current funding allocated to address housing need. The Programme for Government: Securing Ireland's Future includes a number of commitments to deliver practical housing options for positive ageing. It commits to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence. As I stated, work on these commitments is ongoing, with a policy group recently established in the Department of housing to look at proposals on how best to progress them. Crucially, consideration of these proposals will feed into development of the new housing plan being progressed in the Department of housing. These proposals will set out a pathway to develop practical housing options for positive ageing to meet the housing needs of our growing and ageing population.

For me, it is all about choice when it comes to older people. Like any group, they will have differing needs. It is about providing a range of choices which allows older people to make their own decisions on where they wish to live. This could mean continuing to live where they are, moving to a smaller unit, independent living or supported living. My role in the Departments of Health and housing is to ensure older people have all the supports in housing and health they need to enable them to make those choices and decisions.

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